Pilgrim plant generates new set of concerns for regulators

A local watchdog group has filed a new set of concerns with regulators about the relicensing of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant, a move that could cause more delays in the renewal of Pilgrim’s license.

Next month, the Plymouth plant’s relicensing will begin its sixth year. That puts it on par with Entergy Corp.’s other New England plant, Vermont Yankee in Vernon, Vt. Both plants are now tied, at five years, for the longest ongoing license renewals of any nuclear plant in the country.

Pilgrim Watch founder Mary Lampert said her group filed a new contention with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Monday, asking a three-judge panel overseeing the license renewal to hold a hearing on the impact that a wet environment could have on underground power lines. “I’m not saying don’t relicense them,” Lampert said of Pilgrim. “I’m just saying that public health and safety has to come first.”